Adjustable Bra II

ABSTRACT

The front enclosure adjustable bra of the present invention includes an adjustment feature that allows adjustment of the length of the front, adjustment of the length of the side and adjustment of the length of the back, and/or adjustment of the cup size. A bra comprises of a pair (two) of bra cups to hold the breasts and a band reaching around the torso to secure the bra in place. The band comprises of a front under bust band attached to and underlying the bra cups, with a front enclosure or not, a back band comprising of two bands that meet at the centre with a buckle and fold out with hooks (or buckles &amp; tunnels) on each side, right and left, a length adjustment feature for independently adjusting the length of the band conducive to the need of the wearer. Or this may be a band in the middle of the back with two buckles, one on each side. This adjustment allows for it to be bigger or smaller and may be adjusted throughout time of the wearer according to their needs.

RELATED US PATENT DOCUMENTS

Application number Filing date Patent number 62/766,218 Oct. 9, 201829/651,089 Dec. 6, 2017 US 29/651,089 29/651,282 Mar. 12, 2018 US29/651,282

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/766,218, filed Oct. 9 2018, which is incorporated herein byreference in it entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a bra providing a readilyadjustable fit to the wearer's torso and ultimately the cup size aswell. More particularly, the present invention is directed to anadjustable bra that allows a wearer to create a comfortable fit byproviding a front band, and adjustable back band, allowing it to fit thetorso as one may lose or gain weight or when rather the fabric stretchout. Many various front or back closure elements are included andvarious styles from front closure, back closure, front and back closureand strapless with adjustable back band. The shoulder straps may vary inattachment or width and dimensions.

The main feature of this invention is an adjustable back band for betterfit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bras today are typically sold by bra band and bra cup size combined.Most manufacturer's and retailers offer only a limited selection ofcombinations, for example 34A, 36B, 38 DD 40 F- a 34 to 40 inch torsoband and A-H cup size. This limited size selection makes it difficultfor some women (or men) to find a comfortable and proper fit when itcomes to bras. Likely a result of the lack of bra size combinationsavailable and/or the limited flexibility within each bra to accommodatebody changes and individuality as a function of time. (ie. wt. loss/gaindue to pregnancy etc) or fabric wear after multiple uses. Bras have notchanged in nearly a century with the back band just being about 3 hooksalong with the enclosure of 3-4 rows of loops—3 in each to match thehooks. One must put the bra on backwards to adjust and then turn ontheir body, causing wear and tear and discomfort.

This adjustable band in this invention will allow flexibility ofadjusting the back and doing the bra up in front with a front enclosureor not, thus reducing this cumbersome task of doing it up and thenturning it around on the torso. Front enclosures also allows ease oftaking the bra off. This invention allows for sizing to be rather XS, toXXL sizing. (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, vs. the cup and size band combinationIe. 34D the 34 band in inches, D the cup size.)

The band affects the cup size. Tightening the band on the torso maydecrease cup size or loosing it may allow for a bigger cup size fit.

Typically bras permit shoulder straps adjustment to enhance comfort andfit. However, there is a continuing need for a bra that controls overallfit over time, bust cup capacity and/or the sides of the busts togetheror independently of one another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a bra comprising of a pair of bra cups (2) anda band, a front band and a back band with shoulder straps. The frontband comprises a front under bust band attached to and underlying thefront bra cups. The back band is a pair of length adjustment elementsthat meet in the middle of the back for independently adjusting thelength of the band around the torso, and thusly affecting fit andsizing.

This invention may be a front enclosure with back adjustment band or aback enclosure adjustable band or a back enclosure adjustable band puton the old fashioned way of turning it on the body once adjusted, butnot preferable.

Both or individually front and back enclosures can exist—the strapsremain adjustable to help the fit as well and may vary in length anddiameter on the bra with two individual separate straps, criss crossedor a t-shape style, etc.

It is made out of many types of fabric too varying from silk topolyester and rayon or modal or tencel adding to comfort and wear.

Consequently, the invention offers and improved fit for women having asize between standard sizes, half cup sizes or having a disproportionateband to bust ratio. It offers an improved fit for a person changing braneeds for dieting and wt/muscle gain, growth and other factors that mayinfluence size or fit or comfort.

The unique and advantageous adjustable bra here has an adjustable backband that permits adjustment of the length of the front, side or backand/or cup size adjustment. Also advantageous is that the straps willfit better on the wearer too versus always falling off the shoulders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a back perspective view

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the back view FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment

FIG. 6 is 3 examples A,B,C of different buckles for Bra in FIG. 1

FIG. 7 is an alternative view of criss cross straps

FIG. 8 is an alternative view of crossing straps

FIG. 9 is an alternative view A and B of strapless bras

FIG. 10 is an alternative back view showing clasp

FIG. 11—is an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1 back perspective

FIG. 12—is an alternative embodiment of FIG. 2 exploded back view ofFIG. 11

FIG. 13—is an alternative embodiment of FIG. 2 closed back view

FIG. 14—is alternative embodiment (s)

FIG. 15—is alternative embodiment left side views elevational

FIG. 16—is alternative embodiment right side views elevational

FIG. 17—is alternative embodiment right side view

FIG. 18—is alternative embodiment left side view

FIG. 19—is alternative embodiment top view

FIG. 20—is alternative embodiment bottom view

FIG. 21—is alternative embodiment back perspective view

FIG. 22—is alternative embodiment back perspective view

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 there is shown an adjustable bra of one embodiment of thepresent invention. This adjustable bra comprises of a first bra cup 1R,a second bra cup 1L, and a front band and a back band. The front bandconsists of front underbust band 3R and 3L, back band 6R and 6L.Typically, the length of the band will be within the range of about 26inches (65 cm) to 60 inches (155 cm) although greater or lesser lengthsare within the scope of the invention. FIG. 1 also has straps labelledas 2R and 2L, connecting 1R and 1L to the back band 6R and 6L. These areadjustable with a slide 4R & 4L. 5 is a front enclosure mechanism, hookor snap or the like.

Each bra cup 1R and 1L are joined at it's lower portions to the frontband 3R and 3L respectively extending the front of the wearer's torsofrom left to right with straps at the top portion extending over thewearer' shoulders. Preferably, the bra cups and front underbust bandelements are made of woven or knit fabric, foam, cotton, silk,polyester, microfiber, memory foam, linen, lycra, nylon, spandex, lace,satin, fiberfill, cashmere or other suitable materials. Bra cups 1R and1L may range for example from size A to J, where J is bigger than A asit follows the alphabet. This may vary in ½ cup sizes too.

The adjustable bra in FIG. 1 further comprises a first back band 6R anda second back band 6L. FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of theadjustable bra of FIG. 1 showing the uniqueness of the back bands. Eachback band 6R and 6L has a first end extending from the front band oneach side connected to the bra cups 1R and 1L. As illustrated in FIG. 1,back band 6R is joined to front band 3R by a line of stitching. Samewith 6L to 3L. Each back band 6R and 6L also has a second free end 9Rand 9L which go to the back center and fold back upon itself to beattached by hooks and loops. These hooks and loops may vary in number ofrows etc. FIG. 1 show the hook 8R and 8L and the loops 7R and 7L. Eachmade of metal or wire usually and sewn on. The two back bands 9R and 9Lgo thru a metal or plastic buckle in the center of the wearer's backwhich is a square with other embodiments in FIGS. 6 A, B and C.Preferably the back bands 6R and 6L are made of woven or knit fabric,foam, cotton, silk, polyester, microfiber, elastic, tencel, linen,lycra, nylon, spandex, memory foam, cashmere, lace, satin, or othersuitable materials. FIG. 1 also indicates by 13R and 13L use of anunderwire material to help shape the cups, an option which varies withthis invention, it is within the scope of this invention that it is usedor not.

As shown in FIG. 2 which is an exploded view of FIG. 1 showingspecifically the back enclosure system in larger format. The free end 9Rof back band 6R has a back closure element 8R and 7R comprising of a rowof hooks 8R generally 4-5 rows (maybe 3 for smaller bras and cups) whichcomplement a “hook onto” the rows of loops (eyes) to secure back band inplace. The rows of loops 7R and 7L are generally 3-5 rows but may varywith cup sizes and width of one's torso. This varies within the scope ofthe invention. 9L free end also has 8L, hooks and 7L loops respectivelyon the opposite side where 9R and 9L are again taken and turned backupon themselves to be secured each going thru each side respectively ofthe buckle 10. When 9R and 9L are secured the back band then extendsaround the torso and back or the wearer allowing for it to be adjustedto the wearer's torso size ranging from approx. 28-62 inches as 9R and9L are pulled out further on each side towards 6R and 6L to meet theloops, the back band shortens in length allowing for a better and moresecure fit and may be adjusted accordingly to weight gain or lossthroughout one's life. 7R and 7L are generally 5-6 rows of loops with3-5 loops per row and 8R and 8L comprises a row of 3-5 hooks generallyon average but may vary as well. Average is 4 rows each as shown. Othercomplementary back closure element, such as snaps, clasps, magnets,clamps, buttons, velcro, rings, ties, zippers metal slide or clips maybealso be used instead of hooks and loops (eyes). Preferably, the backclosure elements are made of plastic, metal, rubber, steel, wire orother suitable materials, even titanium.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the adjustable bra further comprises a pair ofadjustable shoulder straps 2R and 2L. Each shoulder straps is attachedby one free end to the cups 1R and 1L and go over the shoulders toattach to back band 6R and 6L. It has an adjustable ring 4R and 4Lallowing for shortening or lengthening. Preferably, the shoulder strapsare made of woven or knit fabric, tencel, foam, elastic, cotton, silk,polyester, microfiber, lycra, nylon, spandex, lace, satin, fiberfill,linen, or plastic or other suitable materials. Preferred is elasticthough. Each shoulder strap may be permanently attached to the first andsecond bra cups or connected by a detachable front shoulder strapfastener or ring such as a double hook fastener, a clasp element, aclamp element or another suitable strap fastener. Preferably, the secondend of each shoulder strap is connected to the top end of 6R and 6L backbands by a ring, but this may also vary. Again, each shoulder strap maybe permanently attached to the first and second back bands 6 R and 6L orconnected by a detachable strap fastener such as a double hook element,a clasp element, a clamp element, or another suitable strap fastener.Further, each shoulder strap 2R and 2L may further include a bra slide4R and 4L or other strap length adjustment element between the first andsecond ends of the strap for adjusting the length of each shoulderstrap. The length of shoulder straps may be adjusted from ½ inch (1.25cm) to about 3 inches (7.5 cm) generally even up to 5 inches (12.5 cm)to tighten the fit and secure bra in place. Average being 1 inch (2.5cm). The straps may vary too. Other alternative embodiments may be likein FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 where it shows criss crossed shoulderstraps or strapless bras.

Fit adjustment elements 9R and 9L each permit an adjustment of about 1inch (2.5 cm) to about 8 inches (20 cm) fitting wearer from torso size(28-62 inches) 28-36 (ie. Small) 36-44 (ie. Medium) 44-52 (ie. Large)52-60 (ie. Extra large) respectively as an example. Generally though, itwill allow for example, on average an adjustment of about 4 inches (10cm)+/−2 inches (5 cm).

Advantageously, when either of bra back band 6R and 6L are moved in thedirection of (closer to) the center buckle 10 to achieve a tighter fit,straps 2R and 2L will come closer together on the back helping securethem better over the shoulders so they may not slip on the wearer. Theopposite is true as the back bands free ends are moved further away fromthe center with less backband material going back onto itself, this willensure a larger, more looser fit, and straps further apart. Generallyspeaking, at least 25% of the free back ends turns upon itself to atleast hook on the first row.

In preferred embodiment, FIG. 3 demonstrates a front closure bra with 5as a clip or hooks. This fastener can be made of metal, plastic,titanium, magnets, rubber, button or wires or the like.

In FIG. 4 it shows a top perspective of the preferred embodiment withbuckle 10 and front closure 5.

In FIG. 5 it demonstrates another embodiment whereby the front doesn'thave a clasp 5 and is rather one continuous piece of material. This alsois captured as part of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a continuous piece of crisscrossing fabric for shoulderstraps 2R and 2L where they meet at 11.

FIG. 8 shows a criss cross look of shoulder straps, one over the otherto create security and comfort and being that the free second end of 2Rand 2L are secured and adjusted by rings or hooks or not onto the backband. This may also be criss crossed using a clasp sort of mechanism toconnect the straps, this is also part of the invention. See FIG. 10.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment A and B, a strapless bra with no strapsand rather the bra is just fit around securely the torso of the wearerwith either a back enclosure only or alternatively, with a back andfront enclosure as shown (A).

While hooks and loops and buckles have been illustrated for use incombination with the back band as part of the length adjustmentelements, and other types of fasteners that permits adjustment of theeffective length of the back band 6R and 6L may be used with in thescope of the present invention. Thus, for example, buckles (differenttypes) snaps clasps, clamps, buttons, rings, ties, zippers, metal slideor clips or even velcro may be used instead.

It will be understood that the independent adjustment feature describedherein may be incorporated into strapless bras, underwire bras,non-underwire bras, sports bras, posture bras, (swim) bathing suits,minimizer bras, leisure bras, bralettes, front enclosure bras and thelike. When the bra is a front enclosure bra as preferred the back may beadjusted and conversely with no front enclosure the wearer may put onthe bra using solely a back adjustment feature and adjust accordingly.Either way is protected with this present invention.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent thatmodifications and variations are possible without departing from thescope of the invention defined in the upcoming claims. Furthermore, itshould be appreciated that all examples in the present disclosure areprovided as non-limiting examples.

In FIG. 11 there is shown an adjustable bra of an alternative embodimentof the present invention. This bra shows the back invention part in boldlines with the rest of the bra, cups, straps and some bands shown indashed lines for environmental structure. The primary focus is the backinvention of adjusting the bra and the “butterfly look”. This figurerelates to para (1 & 2) of the first detailed description for the restof the bra and herein I will just focus on the back “butterfly” part anddescribe it in detail.

The adjustable bra in FIG. 11 further comprises a first back band 16Land a second back band 16 R. Each Bra cup is joined by a back Bandlabelled 16 L and 16 R which extends to the back part of the bra. FIG.11 is a rear perspective view of the adjustable bra of FIG. 11 showinguniqueness of the back bands. Then there are tunnels 15L and 15R made ofthe back band by stitching the two pieces of fabric down the middleforming tunnels and there exists a tunnels which goes top to bottom forinsertion of the buckle 17L and 17 R. There are approximately 4 tunnelsbut this may vary. The back band is approximately 3-4 inches in heightbut this too may vary. These variations are captured within thisinvention.

Each back band 16 L and 16 R also has after the stitched tunnels a freeend 18L and 18 R which go to the back centre thru a buckle 19 in thecentre of the back and fold back upon itself to be attached via hooks17L and 17 R to a respective tunnel for fitting the torso. These bucklesmay vary as well as the hooks and number of tunnels. FIG. 11 shows thebuckle 19 and hooks 17 L and 17 R. Each made of metal or durable plasticor the like.

The two back bands 16L and 16R and 15L and 15 R are made of woven orknit fabric, foam, cotton, silk, polyester, microfiber, elastic, linen,lycra, nylon, spandex, tencel, memory foam, cashmere, lace, satin, orother suitable materials. Whether one changes the environmentalstructure of the bra using underwire bra or changing the style of thestraps or cups does not allow enough difference in embodiment if thisback structure is used within it. It is within the scope of thisinvention that the other structures change.

As shown in FIG. 12 which is an exploded view of FIG. 11 showingspecifically the back enclosure system in larger format, undone(unhooked). The free end 18 L and 18 R of back band 16 L and 16 R has aback closure element 17 L and 17 R which is a hook which complement a“hook into” the tunnels 15 L and 15 R to secure back band in place andadjust size of the torso for fit. The number of tunnels 15 L and 15R aregenerally about 4 but may vary with cup sizes and width of one's torso(ie. 3-6 etc). This varies within the scope of the invention. When 17 Land 17 R are secured the back band then extends around the torso andback of the wearer allowing for it to be adjusted to the wearer's torsosize ranging from approx. 28-62 inches as 15L and 15 R are pulled outfurther on each side and inserted into respective tunnels, the back bandshortens in length allowing for a better and more secure fit and may beadjusted accordingly to weight gain or loss throughout one's life or thelife of the bra. FIG. 12 shows the hook in greater detail whereby it iscurled on the one end to hook onto the tunnels bottom edge when insertedthru. Preferably, the back closure elements are made of plastic, metal,rubber, steel, wire or other suitable materials, even titanium. (para 4in the earlier descriptions) and use of different clasping mechanismsapplies here as well.

Fit adjustment elements 18L and 18 R each permit an adjustment of about1 inch (2.5 cm) to about 8 inches (20 cm) fitting the wearer from torsosize (28-62 inches) being 28-36 is a small, 36-44 is a medium and 44-52is large 52-62 and extra large respectively as an example. Generallythough, it will allow for example, on average an adjustment of about 4inches (10 cm)+/−2 inches (5 cm). (para 5 & 7 of first descriptionapplies here as well in the environmental structure and it'sdifferences). These tunnels may be made using an extra piece of fabricover top bands 16 L and 16 R or using two pieces of fabric as indicated,either way is covered within the scope of this invention to achieve thesame result.

It is shown in FIG. 13 the elements of the back free end with hookssecured in place and “closed” for the fit of the bra. 17 L and 17 Rtravel thru the tunnel of 15L and 15 R and are secured tightly in placefor the appropriate fit of the wearer. This may be done previous toputting on the bra (if front enclosure) or once the bra is around thetorso and either having a front enclosure bra or twisting it around tothe back when putting it on, either way is covered within the scope ofthis invention. One can see 19 the buckle, which may vary, holds thefree ends in the centre but this may move around on the back of thewearer to either side depending on how the bra is fitting and/oradjusted. But ideally you want it in the area of the spine so that it ismore comfortable as there is a bit of a dent in the spine area for mostpeople.

FIG. 14 figures A thru F show different embodiments of the structure ofthe bra as far as straps and front enclosures go. They may vary as theydo in these diagrams but still covered within the scope of thisinvention and doesn't alter the look of the back which is claimed withinthis invention. The preferred embodiment is one with a front enclosurehowever for ease of the wearer to put it on. (para 8-13 in the previousdetailed description discusses these different looks in more detail andapply here).

FIGS. 15-20 just illustrate the bra at side views, side elevationalviews and top and bottom views of the back adjustment feature.

FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment with back bands 20 R and20 L connected to 21R and 21L by buckles 24 R and 24 L. Hooks 22 R and22L hook onto 23 R and 23 L. This embodiment contains a strap or band inthe middle which is the adjustment element shortening or lengthening inlength accordingly.

FIG. 22 illustrates another alternative embodiment with the buckles andtunnels option with a back band in the middle. Elements 25R and 25 L areconnected with buckles 29 R and 29 L to 26 R and 26 L which have freeends with corresponding buckles 27 R and 27 L which hook into thetunnels of 28 to adjust the fit accordingly, smaller or bigger. Againwith a middle back band or strap like look.

Both FIGS. 21 and 22 capture another element of adjusting which issimilar to all other figures in adjusting the back and having two freeends to attach, unique to this invention. It is assumed these figuresare also representative of this idea and fall within the claims of thisinvention. Velcro may also be used and is captured within the claims.

While hooks and tunnels and buckles have been illustrated for use incombination with the back band as part of the length adjustmentelements, other types of fasteners that permits adjustment of theeffective length of the back band 16 L and 16 R may be used within thescope of the present invention. Thus, for example, buckles (differenttypes) snaps clasp, clamps, buttons, rings, ties, zippers, metal slideor clips or even velcro may be used instead.

It will be understood that the independent adjustment feature describedherein may be incorporated into strapless bras, underwire bras,non-underwire bras, sports bras, posture bras, minimizer bras, leisurebras, bralettes, front enclosure bras, swimsuits, and the like and areall covered with the scope of my invention. When the bra is a frontenclosure bra, as preferred, the back may be first adjusted before onand conversely with no front enclosure the wearer may put on the brausing solely a back adjustment feature and adjust accordingly. Eitherway is protected within this present invention.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent thatmodifications and variations are possible without departing from thescope of the invention defined in the upcoming claims. Furthermore, itshould be appreciated that all examples in the present disclosure areprovided as non-limiting examples.

1. A bra comprising a pair of bra cups and a band, the band comprising afront under bust band with front enclosure or not attached to andunderlying the bra cups and at least one back band, the band comprisinga pair of length adjustment elements for independently adjusting thelength of the back band.
 2. The bra of claim 1 wherein the lengthadjustment elements are located on the back band, where the two sidesmeet in the middle and fold over each side with hooks or buckles andaccompanying rows of loops or tunnels.
 3. The bra of claim 2 whereineach of the length adjustment elements comprises a pair of strapsadjacent to the back band and attached just below the shoulder blades.4. The bra of claim 2 wherein each of the length adjustment elementscomprises a pair of straps and a buckle and tunnels or hooks/loops orvelcro.
 5. The bra of claim 2 wherein the bra is a front and/or backclosure bra and the band comprises a pair of back bands, each withtunnels or loops.
 6. The bra of claim 1 wherein the length adjustmentfeatures are located on the back bands.
 7. The bra of claim 1 and 2wherein the bra is strapless (no straps).
 8. The bra of claim 1 and 2wherein the bra's straps criss cross or are T-shaped.
 9. The bra ofclaim 1 and 2 wherein the back band (s) comprise(s) a series of tunnelson each length of the back band, under or proximate each of the shoulderblades of the wearer when worn, before meeting in the middle with eachone of the adjustment elements and free ends passing through the buckleand attaching the buckle's hook through the appropriate tunnels of theband (or in the first figures case the hooks onto the loops).
 10. Thebra of claim 9 wherein the bra is a back closure bra and the bandcomprises a pair of back bands.
 11. The bra of claim 9 wherein the brais a front closure bra and the band comprises an adjoining band with thetwo back bands folding upon each other.
 12. The bra of claim 9 whereinthe bra is strapless or criss crossed shoulder bands or T-Shaped back.13. The Bra of claim 1 wherein the length adjustment elements arelocated on the back band where there is a strap (or band) in the middleconnected with two buckles on each side, right and left, approximatelyunder each shoulder blade where the back strap goes thru the buckles andties its free ends onto itself with hooks & loops or buckles andtunnels. Velcro may also be used as a form of attachment of the freeends.